News & Events - Institution of Engineers Singapore

Interview
Engineering urban transformation
Arup brings
t o g e t h e r
individuals from
a wide range of
disciplines and
encourages them
to look beyond
the constraints
of their own
Mr André Lovatt. specialisations,
so that the
engineering consultancy can influence
the future of the built environment in a
distinctive manner.
Mr André Lovatt, Principal and
Office Leader, Singapore, Arup
Singapore Pte Ltd, highlights the
factors underpinning the firm’s
impressive track record in the republic,
in this interview with ‘The Singapore
Engineer’.
Q: What makes Arup different from
other firms?
A: One of the things that makes us
different is how Arup is owned. The
firm is owned in trust on behalf of its
staff. The result is an independence of
spirit that enables us to take long-term
decisions and chart unconventional
routes. This is reflected in the firm’s work,
and in its dedicated pursuit of technical
excellence.
One good way to think of Arup is as
an ‘idea factory’. Our ability to generate
great ideas is entirely vested within our
people. As a result, we take a great deal of
care to select the best possible people and
to give them the freedom to do the sort
of work they like and are good at.
Q: How is Arup responding to
developments in the construction
industry in Singapore?
A: In terms of growth, Asia will continue
to have huge prospects and opportunities
and Arup has offices in key Asian cities
such as Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing,
Tokyo and Singapore to meet these
demands.
In Singapore, with over 200 local staff,
Arup is well-placed within the booming
professional services sector and we work
on a wide range of commercial and
residential building, and infrastructure
projects.
Q: What are some of the landmark
projects in Singapore that Arup has
been involved in recently?
A: Arup has made significant contributions
to three major developments that have
shaped Marina Bay, Singapore’s premier
waterfront destination. They are the
Singapore Flyer which, at a height of
165 m, is the world’s largest Giant
Observation Wheel; Marina Bay Sands
Integrated Resort which offers a 2560-
room luxury hotel, advanced convention
and exhibition facilities, shopping mall,
restaurants, and theatres; and The Helix,
a 280 m bridge, inspired by the shape of
a DNA molecule.
Arup provided consultancy for the
Downtown Mass Rapid Transit (MRT)
line that connects Marina Bay with the
city centre and we are also a member
of the team that will be responsible for
delivering a second footbridge that will
complete the pedestrian route around
the bay.
Arup Singapore: overview of skills
• Acoustics, Audiovisual and
Theatre Consulting
• Building Services / M&E
• Building Structures
• Environmentally Sustainable
Design (ESD)
• Facade
• Fire
• Geotechnics
• Green Mark / LEED Consulting
• Infrastructure
• IT and Communications
• Maritime
• Programme and Project
Management
• Risk and Security
• Specialist Lighting
• Traffic and Transport Planning
• Tunnelling
• Urban Design
• Vertical Transportation
The iconic Singapore Flyer. Image by Singapore Flyer Pte Ltd.
30 · THE SINGAPORE ENGINEER Jun 2010